British rock legend Ian McDonald doesn’t seem to have an ounce of inflated rock star ego. Reserved and humble during our conversation, McDonald acts more like the guy next door than the guy in the spotlight who just happened to co-found iconic bands King Crimson and Foreigner. Ironically, that guy next door is now in a band with his neighbor. How perfect is that?

Recently celebrating the release of the album Bad Old World with band Honey West and founder, accomplished actor and neighbor Ted Zurkowski, McDonald seems to have landed in the perfect place.

“I felt the need to do something serious at the time,” says McDonald. “And so I ended up joining the band and consequently writing with Ted. And we came up with a number of new songs which developed into an album which we recorded shortly thereafter.”

McDonald did most of the production work on Bad Old World and he’s extremely proud of the album. “I think it’s some of my best work as far as that is concerned—I would love for as many people as possible to hear it.”

With songs like “Old Man” and “Dementia,” Bad Old World seems to give a nod to the fact that McDonald and Zurkowki aren’t youngsters.

Explains McDonald, ”I found Ted’s lyrics very, very smart and witty and interesting and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy working with him as well as just, you know, from a musical point of view. We both got together and played guitars and and worked these songs out.”

“You know people have different reactions to that song (“Dementia”). The reason I’m okay with it, is because it’s written in the first person and it’s making fun of one’s self and it’s actually celebrating what’s going on emotionally and mentally in the song. So it’s not making fun of someone else. It’s making fun of one’s self and just enjoying it and letting things be what they are.”

I believe that creativity can brighten and become fiercer with age. So does the rock star with a cool new album agree?

“I don’t think about aging and I never use the O word…I just saw an opportunity here to do something different, and I think that’s the important thing to do. I don’t know. I don’t know where creativity, for want of a better word, where that comes from. But I do know that experience does come into play. And I think that’s–as I was referring to the production on this Honey West album, I think it’s some of my best work because as a result of experience, you learn what works and what not to do. And you try and keep an eye and an ear out for what will bear repeated listening.”

McDonald has certainly proven he has the eye, ear and musical chops to create hits. But while he admits it was wonderful to stand on arena stages with Foreigner and see the fans waving their lighters when the lights went out, for him it’s always been about creating the music.

“I basically lived for the music I suppose. That’s the answer to that. I love making records. I think we made a very good record with the first Foreigner album and the second one as well. And so that really what’s important to me…the thrill, for want of a better word, of watching the record being literally being cut on the lathe after you’ve been working on it and writing the songs and producing the album…as they did in those days. It’s all very exciting.”

Music is still exciting for McDonald and he’s found that excitement with Honey West and their new album. “If I’m going to actually sink my teeth into something major, I want it to be different. I’m really enjoying the fact that Honey West is something new for me.”

Watch the video and learn how the Ian McDonald and Ted Zurkowski/Honey West collaboration and Bad Old World happened.

AMG/Parade Digital

Connect With Us

More from AMG/Parade

Our partners

Your use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance
of our User Agreement,
Privacy Policy,
Cookie Notification,
and awareness of the California Privacy Rights.
Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal
and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced,
distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used,
without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Media Group.
Ad Choices